September 8, 2026

Far right revival in Germany

The Guardian - Germany is still reeling from the biggest far-right victory in a state election since the Nazi period. Voters in Saxony-Anhalt, in the former communist east, gave the anti-immigration, pro-Kremlin Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party a first-place finish of 44%, just short of an absolute majority. Deborah Cole in Berlin explains why it is so significant….

  • A “shocked” and chastened chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has vowed to stay in office. Appearing ashen-faced in front of reporters in Berlin on Monday, he said: “We know that Germany carries special responsibility because of its history.”
  • What are the wider implications for Europe? In this analysis, Jon Henley says Europe’s centrist politicians fear a continent-wide nationalist wave, fueled by the persistent inability of mainstream governments to deliver for disillusioned voters hit by a spiralling cost of living crisis

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